Komatsu honoured the precision, skills, and commitment of diesel technicians in its dealer network with the 2026 North America Komatsu Advanced Technician Competition (ATC) – held at Komatsu’s Cartersville Customer Centre in Cartersville, Georgia. Events like the ATC not only recognise individual excellence but also help raise industry standards by encouraging ongoing training and innovation among technicians, ultimately contributing to workforce development and enhancing customer satisfaction across the heavy equipment industry.
The competition spanned two days as ten technicians were scored in the areas of technical capability, quality of work, and safety. Technicians were evaluated on tasks such as diagnosing engine faults, performing complex repairs under time constraints, troubleshooting hydraulic and electrical systems, conducting machine inspections, and demonstrating effective communication with customers.
Allen Cherrington of Columbus Equipment Company (Ohio) won the event and was crowned champion. Jorge Moreno of Lyle Equipment (southeastern US) came in second place, and Nathan Specht of Komatsu Company-Owned Dealer East (Komatsu East) finished third. Reflecting on his achievement, Allen shared, “Winning the ATC means a lot to me—it’s proof that the hard work and late nights spent mastering my craft have paid off. Competing alongside such talented technicians pushed me to bring my best.” Jorge Moreno commented on the competition’s challenges, saying, “The tasks were intense, especially diagnosing faults under pressure, but it’s a true test of what we face in the field every day.”
Earning a spot in the championship was its own competition as technicians from throughout North America participated in formal prequalifying events. Ultimately ten technicians made their way to Cartersville to go head-to-head in events that ranged from machine inspection and troubleshooting techniques to customer relations and safety, testing both their technical knowledge and practical skills.
“Pride in craftsmanship and the resulting success that it helps deliver for fleet managers and business owners is the driving force behind every technician in the Komatsu network – but bragging rights and being recognised among the best are great prizes as well,” said Griffin Reome, Director of Technical Workforce Development, Komatsu. “The real success here is shining a spotlight on the passion and discipline, and the resulting job satisfaction, that comes with being a technician in the heavy equipment industry.”
“Allen, Jorge, and Nathan – and all ten finalists – are showcasing how important these careers are. And that these jobs are something to aspire to for anyone who is technically minded, loves building things, and appreciates real craftsmanship and the power of heavy equipment.”
Each winner of the Komatsu ATC received a selection of Komatsu-branded prizes and merchandise. In addition, the top two finishers earned an exclusive ‘Day in the Life’ experience with the opportunity to see how a pit crew operates up close at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, United States, made possible through Komatsu’s ongoing partnership with the Atlassian Williams F1 Team.
“Speed, precision, talent, and the combination of peak human performance with extreme technical excellence – we couldn’t think of a better way to honour these technicians,” said Reome.
